When Rohan Ricketts shows up at Nathan Phillips Square on a cold damp December day it is confirmed that this dude is different from most others. Not that I already didn't know it.
Following him around throughout the 2008 season one would quickly came to the conclusion that the Toronto attacker marches to the tune of his own drummer. That's not a knock. It's a compliment. He's refreshing. And he was certainly refreshed on this occasion as he showed up in nothing but a light jacket for an outdoor meeting on a day when the temperature was well below freezing. And here I am bundled from head to toe. He was the tough guy. I was the wimp.
Here's how different he is. He's an English lad through and through and has no family here, and yet he will spend the holidays in Toronto. He wasn't sure when the holiday season ended however. I had to tell him it's back to business for many people the day after New Year's and for everyone else the following Monday. But he's here because he loves it. Winter doesn't scare him. And even though it's not much publicized, he'll do his share of charity work. He's involved with the Children's Aid society.
When I asked him why, his simple answer was that by giving, you feel good about yourself. It comes from the heart he said. It's easy to believe him. I've been around the guy enough to know that he means what he says.
He will take some time to escape in January for a bit to some warmer locale, but he'll be antsy to get back at it come February. The playoffs are a must he admits. But that's where Rohan Ricketts is like the rest of us.
The entire interview will be on Soccercentral Saturday at noon.
